When you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, it might seem overwhelming to find one who can handle your case. If you’ve never needed a criminal defense attorney before, you might not even know how to begin your search. Read on to learn how to find a criminal defense attorney in your local area to help you.
Family and Friend Recommendations
Your family and friends are a great resource for finding a criminal defense attorney in your local area. They may have their own experiences with your local criminal court system and offer advice. How an attorney handled their case or their friends’ cases shows if the attorney is worthwhile. Your family or friends may have personal relationships with attorneys whom they trust. Ask for their recommendations if you are facing criminal charges.
Verify the Attorney’s Credentials
Searching for a criminal defense attorney online can become tedious. However, you’re placing your life in this person’s hands. Before you approach an attorney, you should check the American Bar Association to verify the attorney’s credentials. Each attorney must pass the bar and become legally licensed to practice criminal law. The American Bar Association can provide details about an attorney’s license status.
Before attorneys can take the bar exam for the state they will be practicing in, an attorney must complete a bachelor’s degree program, take and pass the LSAT exam, and graduate from an American Bar Association-approved law school. Finally, they must pass the state bar exam to get a license to practice law.
Check the Attorney’s Success Rate
The outcome of all criminal cases is a matter of public record. You can request public records through the criminal court to evaluate an attorney’s success rate. Review the cases according to the defendants’ alleged crimes and how often the clients avoided a conviction. You could also contact these previous clients to ask about the quality of the legal services they receive.
Some criminal defense attorneys can provide contact information for previous clients. However, consider whether these clients receive an unknown benefit for singing the attorney’s praises. Ask questions and judge their responses based on your intuition. If these client reviews feel too good to be true, they probably are.
Schedule Consultations
Schedule consultations with criminal defense attorneys to get a better impression of the attorneys. You can ask questions about legal services and discuss your case with these attorneys. Some lawyers will provide details about defense strategies that may apply to your case.
These consultations help you evaluate the attorney’s knowledge of criminal proceedings, and you can decide if they are the most appropriate choice for you. Remember that some lawyers charge a fee for a consultation, and you should ask about these fees before setting up the appointment.
Criminal defense attorneys understand the law and the penalties imposed in your state and local area. They can assess your case and determine what defenses apply and how to fight your case in criminal court. Scheduling a consultation helps you decide which attorney is the most suitable for your case.